On Metrodome roof collapse anniversary, officials say: It's safe

Two years ago, the Metrodome roof collapsed under the weight of snow dropped by a colossal blizzard -- but stadium officials stress the structure is safe on the memorable collapse's anniversary.

Officials kept a close watch on the Metrodome during last weekend's historic snowfall, the Twin Cities' third-largest on a single day in December. It didn't drop the 16 inches that fell in 2010, but Sunday's 12 inches represented the toughest test for the new roof yet.

"We were confident the roof would be able to handle the weather," said Michele Kelm-Helgen, chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority in a statement released Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Heat was turned up in the Dome after the weekend snowfall, and the roof's updated design allowed heat to reach the top more quickly, melting more snow, according to the authority.

The roof collapse in 2010 forced a Minnesota Vikings game to Detroit and another to TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus. Metrodome cleanup began almost immediately and the new roof was inflated on July 13, 2011.

Groundbreaking for a new Vikings stadium is scheduled for October 2013, with construction expected to end by summer 2016.